The Hawaii County Civil Defense issued this message on Saturday, January 15th:

The National Weather Service has issued a high surf warning for the West facing shores of the Big Island. Effective 6:00 Sunday morning January 16 through 6 pm Monday afternoon January 17th. Affected shorelines include Kona and Kohala. Surf is expected to begin increasing Sunday morning and reach heights 10 to 20 feet. Because of the warning the following are issued. Oceanfront residents and beach goers are urged to be on the alert for high and dangerous surf conditions. Property owners affected by high surf should take measures to secure their property. Boat owners in Kona and Kohala should take measures to secure their vessels. Again, the National Weather Service has issued a high surf warning for the West facing shores of the Big Island. Effective 6:00 Sunday morning January 16 through 6 pm Monday afternoon January 17th. Affected shorelines include Kona and Kohala. Surf is expected to begin increasing Sunday morning and reach heights 10 to 20 feet. Thank you and have a safe day. This is you Hawaii County Civil Defense.